Premium English cider producer Westons is launching Caple Rd Dry, Blend No. 5, following the successful launch of Caple Rd Cider, the UK’s first craft cider in a can, a year ago.
Caple Rd Dry (5% ABV) is the second variant in the range and is double-filtered from fresh English apple juice to give a crisp, dry and complex taste with a powerful tart finish.
The cider is named after the road which approaches Westons site in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle. Like its sister variant Caple Rd Cider, Caple Rd Dry is produced in small batches to ensure consistent quality and its unique craft characteristics. Caple Rd Dry is made from Westons base blend No. 5, whereas the original Caple Rd Cider is made from Westons base blend No. 3.
The launch comes amidst a growing trend for both craft beer and cider, with followers looking increasingly towards premium drinks which have a point of difference, traceability of ingredients, and artisanship. Canned beer has also made a comeback through the craft beer evolution, with cans helping make sure the liquid is consumed in the best possible condition.
Geoff Bradman, Westons commercial director, says: “When we launched Caple Rd Cider a year ago, we never anticipated quite how successful it would be. Both trade and consumer feedback has been phenomenal, and this has been formally recognised in the various awards the cider won in its first year of launch.”
Westons Cider is now run by the fourth generation of the Weston family, which has been producing traditional English cider in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle since 1880. Westons makes a broad range of ciders for the premium cider sector with its key brands including Stowford Press, Wyld Wood, Henry Westons, Old Rosie, Mortimer’s Orchard and Caple Rd.
UK retail listings for Westons range of cider include all the major grocers such as Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, the Co-op, and Booths.
UK on-trade listings for Westons range of ciders include Mitchells & Butlers, Spirit Group, Punch, Enterprise Inns, Fullers, Greene King, Hall & Woodhouse, Marstons, Charles Wells, Youngs and Matthew Clark Wholesale.
28 February 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor